LONGUEUIL, Quebec — The Jean Coutu Group has opened its first green store.
The Canadian drug store chain said this week that the new store, located in Beloeil, Quebec, just east of Montreal, has such environmental features as the use of low-emission materials, including paint, and reduced energy consumption.
To help boost energy efficiency, the 14,000-square-foot store has extra insulation in the walls and roof, high-efficiency air conditioning and a lighting system that uses motion detectors to automatically turn off lights when they are not needed. The store’s sanitation systems also are designed to conserve water.
"We are very happy to integrate to our PJC Jean Coutu network of pharmacies an establishment designed to reflect the vision of the Jean Coutu Group and to meet the needs of our customers while reducing the impact of the building on the environment," president and chief executive officer Francois Coutu said in a statement.
"The PJC Jean Coutu Pharmacies have always taken the lead in their sector of activity, and this store is no exception," Coutu added. "This pharmacy was fitted out in accordance with a concept that will satisfy our customers by offering them a friendly shopping experience in surroundings that are modern, warm and environmentally friendly."
Previous environmental initiatives by Jean Coutu include the retailer’s decision, in December 2007, to voluntarily pull all dishwashing detergents containing phosphates from its shelves and its launch of an exclusive line of environmentally friendly household products in 2008.
